ONE of the most picturesque villages in Gwynedd is under siege from a rising tide of rural crime, according to residents.

Over recent months, the people of Waunfawr have endured a spate of break-ins, petty crime and car vandalism, which took a sinister twist last week with an arson attack on the home of a young family.

Now, the victim of this senseless crime, mountain rescue worker Matt Tuck hopes that the misfortune that has happened to his family will raise awareness about the social problems facing rural villages like Waunfawr.

The fire service were called out to Mr Tuck's home in the centre of the village by a neighbour who spotted the flames at around 8am a week last Wednesday morning.

Smoke and fire had damaged both floors of the house causing damage to both the structure and the roof.

With luck Mr Tuck, his wife Claire and their 14-month-old daughter were staying with relatives in South Wales when the incident took place.

According to Mr Tuck two fires were started, one of which was in his baby daughter's bedroom.

In an interview with the Herald, Matt Tuck described the nightmare scenario: "I was informed of the fire by the police on the Wednesday morning and I dashed home on the same day.

"Myself and Claire's attitude to material possessions is very much take it or leave it.

"But what is most upsetting is the fact that both of us have lost things of a personal value like slides of myself I took while travelling around the world."

The Tuck family had only moved in to the house 15 months ago and had spent their hard earned money on fitting new carpets and a central heating system.

A spokeswoman from the North Wales Fire Service confirmed that the incident was being treated as suspicious.

"When our officers arrived at the scene the fire was well lit and burning severely and had caused 40% structural damage," she said.

"This was a deliberate ignition with signs of a break in on the ground floor.

Now, Mr Tuck says the family will have to move into rented accommodation for the next six months while they attempt to rebuild the house - and their lives.

He believes that there is a need to give social problems in the village the serious consideration they deserve.

"There has been a lot of trouble in the village recently and the police definitely need to give more attention to the problem.

"Local councillors have been made aware of the situation but as yet there has been no reaction.

"Over the last few months cars and houses have been broken into and now they have graduated on to this.

"The reason why I am speaking to you is to raise awareness of the problem," said Mr Tuck.

One villager who did not wish to be named for fear of retaliation agreed with Mr Tuck.

"There are serious problems here in Waunfawr," she said.

"From what I understand cars and property have been targeted and people are starting to live in fear."

A spokesman from North Wales Police said: "Police and forensics are still investigating the scene."